Rohtang Pass reopened for traffic

Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,500 feet and the only surface link between Kullu valley and Lahual & Spiti district, has been reopened for traffic nearly five months after it was closed due to heavy snowfall, a top official said on Sunday.

Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,500 feet and the only surface link between Kullu valley and Lahual & Spiti district, has been reopened for traffic nearly five months after it was closed due to heavy snowfall, a top official said on Sunday.

"The roads upto Rohtang pass both from Manali side and Lahual side were cleared of snow and were reopened on Friday evening," S K Doon, Border Road Organisation (BRO), 7 RCC Commander, told PTI.

He, however, added only small vehicles are now plying through the route as the roads are very slippery and general traffic will be allowed only from May 7.

The Rohtang Pass was closed for vehicular traffic on December 19 last after heavy snowfall. Closure of the road snapped the surface link of the high altitude Lahual & Spiti district with rest of the world.

Government-run helicopter service was the only means to reach the district during the winter.

The reopening of the Rohtang Pass came at a crucial time as the Lahual & Spiti, which forms part of Mandi Parliamentary seat, will go to polls on May 13 along with rest of the three Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Doon said three teams comprising 50 BRO officials and 250 labourers were working since mid-March to clear the 49.5 km Manali-Rohtang pass road and 54.3 km Lahual-Rohtang Pass road.